So I posted a few days ago that I met with my surgeon and got my date of Sept 12. She also listened to my lungs and said they were clear. I'm struggling because I, for some reason at the magical age of 37, have developed allergies and they are taking me down. I am coughing and can hear it rattle in my chest. I had no idea allergies could do that to you. I don't want this getting in the way of surgery- I find it harder to breathe and take my inhaler more often. Do I go see a GP or just ride this out? Not sure what they would do for me? Gah!

If I were you I would go to the doctor and just make sure it is allergies.

Your allergist should have given you a lung test, and perhaps the Advair inhaler. I have asthma and allergies, and had a cough for a year that I finally figured out was all allergic related. I also use nasal spray...flonase works nicely. It makes me cough more for a bit, and then clears me up. It took a month or so for me to really feel 95% cough free, but those two meds made a huge difference. I also use Ventolin before exercise, and if a flareup occurs. I am supposed to start allergy shots, but am going to wait until after my surgery (Sept 6) to do that. I am supposed to take Ceterzine for the allergies also, but with the surgery coming up, I have been avoiding taking any pills so that I don't run extra risks of problems. You can try a daily allergy pill too.

I am kind of poor, and have to shop in places like Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries...but they are absolutely filthy places. I can't really go in there, but have to...so I try to limit my exposure, and take an allergy pill beforehand, which really helps.

Dog and cat urine and saliva are everywhere, and it's hurting many of us...people who own animals bring them everywhere, as well, and that hurts many of us...they don't care. That is one of the biggest culprits for 25 million of us who suffer from these people's animals. Add to that smokers--huge problem....and ragweed, dust, and other stuff, and we really feel sick all the time. It's a real pain...and really horrible that offenders do not seem to give a care about us.

Stand your ground. Whatever makes you sick...tell the person to stop, and that it hurts you...eventually, if we can get even 1 million of the more than 25 million of us to take a stand, the world ill get better for all of us.

Hope you feel better....go back to your allergist who should be able to take care of all of these things...at least help you get rid of the cough...if your allergist does not do that...find someone else.

I forgot to add that I also have the allergies in my eyes...one minute they are itching and watering, the next minute they are dry and burning...or watering and burning...it's crazy. I went to the eye doctor when my eyes were so bad that I woke up in pain with severe redness and blisters on my conjuntiva.

The doctor prescribed Zatador allergy eye drops...they are not like Visine that can cause you to have a sort of permanent problem where your capilaries in your eyes sort of stay red and lined. Zatador works on the antihistimine receptors, to block them from becoming activated, thereby stopping allergic responses...for several hours. I use mine once per day when my eyes are itching, and there are no side effects like what can happen with Visine use.

Finally, the doctor prescribed Restasis for the dry burning feeling I get that goes along with the other problems. Apparently my tears evaporate faster than other peoples' tears. The Restasis really does work, so that I don't have to use the other drops as much....I also use Refresh Liquigel. Works like a charm...especially if you roll it in your hands and warm it up a little. Both Zatador and Restasis burn a little and I follow them up with the Liquigel...really makes my allergy eyes a whole lot better.

The thing about the drops...all of them is that they can be expensive, so I really try to use just one drop and not let any run down my face....something to keep in mind. Zatador runs around $13 a bottle; Liquigel about $8 or so--lasts quite a while, actually; Restasis is prescription, so I just have a copay.

Restasis comes in vials. I open one and use a drop in each eye per day, and I set the tube in a clean spot and use it the next day as well....supposed to use it 2x per day but usually just remember once.

The eye doctor

Wow thanks for the feedback. I believe mine are seasonal and will go away when winter comes. I have an inhaler and do have OTC meds too if I want.

I will also check it out with a doc on Tuesday if it's not better - thanks!